CD Reviews

Decent Gathering of Big, Big Hits

Matthew G. Sherwin | 06/29/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Most collectors will already have these tracks in their CD library, but neophytes and others who want only the cream of the rock & roll crop from 1957 will be pleased with this CD. All original versions."

Brings Back Warm Memories of 1957

John DePrisco | Wilmington, Delaware United States | 10/25/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The one thing I remember most about 1957 was that the Milwaukee Braves beat the New York Yankees in the world series, with Lew Burdette winning all three of his starts. As for the songs of 1957 this album is a nice sample. As usual you can trust Billboard to give you the original hits by the original performers. "All Shook Up" is one of Elvis' better songs from his early years. "Wake Up Little Susie", Everly Brothers, was probably considered a little risque for the time. "Diana" was a top notch hit for Paul Anka and still sounds good after 40+ years. "Party Doll" and "That'll Be The Day" were hits that I was luke warm about even back then. "Jailhouse Rock" was a smash for Elvis, but it has lost it's flavor over the years. "Little Darlin'" has always been my favorite record from the 50's. The first time I heard it was on the old tv show "Lucky Strike's Hit Parade". Since there was no such thing as oldies radio back then I didn't hear any more after it dropped off the "Hit Parade" chart. But a few years later I found a 78RPM version of "Little Darlin'" on the Mercury label, which I still have. No, that's not a typo, it reall is a 78RPM.
"Peggy Sue" was probably, imho, Buddy Holly's best record. "School Days" and "Whole Lotta Shaking Going On" round out this offering from Billboard. If your looking for bang for your oldies buck this one is worth the price."

Back to the Good Old Days

Donald P. Gillis | Cumberland, RI USA | 03/12/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased this CD for a play I was directing and the time period was late 1950's. Since I was a teenager then, and had not heard those songs in quite a few years, I decided to play the music at intermission for the audience. It was terrific!The quality of the CD is clear, and the original artists were a joy to listen to. What a great experience! Billboard's Top Rock & Roll Hits are the best~~~"

The Early Kings of Rock & Roll Ruled 1957

Lawrance M. Bernabo | The Zenith City, Duluth, Minnesota | 02/10/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Billboard Top Rock & Roll Hits: 1957" is one of the most impressive collections from this decade. All you have to do is to look at the lineup, which features two Elvis Presley hits along with classics from Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Paul Anka and The Everly Brothers. You might not remember Buddy Knox and The Diamonds, but I bet you remember their respective hits, "Party Doll" and "Little Darlin'." If you cannot find five cuts on this album that you would like to add to your music collection, then it has to be because you have a lot of CDs and already own most of these classic rock and roll hits. There is a whole lot of shakin' go on with this album, one of the very best of the Billboard collections."